Arian Foster weighs in on latest J.J. Watt comeback

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 07: Arian Foster #23 and J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans react after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 7, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 07: Arian Foster #23 and J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans react after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 7, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)

During his final years in the NFL, Texans Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster dealt with a significant amount of pain.

He endured lengthy sessions in the training room recovering from injuries.

Foster ruptured his Achilles tendon during the 2015 season, which led to the end of his tenure with the Texans and his eventual retirement one year later following a short stint with the Miami Dolphins.

Now retired, the Texans' all-time leading rusher lives in Houston and is observing as Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt is facing a similar career crossroads to the one he experienced.

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Watt has been limited to eight games and 1 1/2 sacks over the past two seasons due to a herniated disk that required a pair of surgeries and a gruesome broken leg.

Foster believes in Watt's determination and ability to mount a comeback, but acknowledged the reality that the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is facing a tough battle to regain his health and old playing form.

"Old Father Time is undefeated," Foster said of the 29-year-old Watt. "J.J. is still relatively young, but he's had a lot of major injuries. I can definitely relate I know I reached the point where the grind wasn't worth it for me anymore. Who knows where he's at?

"From what I know of J.J. and what I've seen from him, he's one of those cats where this is his life. I don't think he's ever going to not give 100 percent effort. So, he's going to walk away when he wants to walk away. I think he'll walk away proud knowing he gave it his all."

Foster said he still feels the pain from his football days, especially in his neck, shoulder, back and knees.

"I gave so much to the game," Foster said. "It was very physically taxing and mentally taxing. You never know how it's going to affect you. There are certain things you're unsure of. All you can do is get around the right doctors and try to be preventative."

Foster is certain he doesn't want his children to play football, citing the dangers of the sport.

"My kids aren't going to play football, 100 percent," Foster said. "There's just no reason, especially at that young of an age. It's a physically taxing sport. I struggle with some things now, but I chose it.

"I didn't necessarily understand all the ramifications, but I chose it. I made the sacrifice for my family. Hopefully, they're appreciating it. All you can do now is make sure you're around the right doctors to support you. It's so important."